27 Powerful Moments Of Hope During The Protests Over George Floyd's Death
While images of violent clashes and looting so often dominate media coverage of the protests, quieter moments of peace, learning, and understanding can go overlooked.
Love photography as much as we do? Sign up for the BuzzFeed News newsletter JPG for behind-the-scenes exclusives from renowned photographers and our hard-hitting photo stories.
Since last week, when George Floyd was killed after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground in a knee chokehold, nationwide protests have erupted to demand action against the officers and condemn racial injustice in the US. In major cities across the country, demonstrators were met with more force from local and state police as scenes of looting, violence, and damage to property unfolded.
President Donald Trump has lashed out at the protests as the work of "anarchists and ANTIFA," without evidence, while mayors across the country have imposed strict curfews. Despite these scenes of violence, most protesters are marching peacefully while exercising their right to free speech.
These pictures capture the quiet moments of hope that can go overlooked in media coverage of protests.
Nurses stand outside a hospital to applaud protesters in Boston, May 31.
A man carries a child on his shoulders during a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, May 31.
A woman distributes free food, water, and other essentials to protesters in Minneapolis, May 30.
A woman holds up a sign offering free masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Cincinnati, May 31.
A protester distributes gloves and hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Washington, DC, May 31.
A protester reads a Bible in front of a line of National Guard members in Minneapolis, May 29.
A rosary is left on the side mirror of a Detroit police vehicle, May 29.
Members of George Floyd's family join a community memorial in Minneapolis, May 31.
A woman places flowers at a memorial for George Floyd near the spot where he died while in police custody in Minneapolis, May 31.
People pay their respects at the place where George Floyd died earlier in the week, May 30.
A woman and her children hold signs in Kansas City, May 31.
Stephanie Crosby (center), from Beaumont, Texas, sits on her motorized chair during a rally for George Floyd at the Minnesota State Capitol, May 31.
Dancers from three Mexican Aztec performance groups attend a rally at the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul, May 31.
Two protesters embrace during a demonstration in Boston, May 30.
Mia Camacho, 4, holds a sign saying "I am here to help" as she and her mother, Amber, give support to volunteers in Los Angeles, May 31.
Volunteers sweep up broken glass in downtown Chicago, May 31.
Kazaria Snipes, 7, (right) and her brother Kevon Avery (left) hold boxes of donuts they were giving away to volunteers cleaning up downtown Seattle, May 31.
Protesters march down Highway 94 as pedestrians cheer from the local streets in St. Paul, Minnesota, May 31.
A sign reading "We love you George" hangs after demonstrations in Los Angeles, May 31.
Flower bouquets are arranged in a memorial in Minneapolis, May 31.
People participate in a vigil in Houston, May 31.
A protester holds a rose before marching to the White House, May 29.
UPDATE
After thoughtful consideration, 5 photos have been removed from this post and the introduction reworded to more accurately portray the nature of the protests and the police response to them.
-
Gabriel H. Sanchez is the Senior Photo Essay Editor for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York City.
Contact Gabriel H. Sanchez at gabriel.sanchez@buzzfeed.com.
Got a confidential tip? Submit it here.
